Its 11 p.m. on a Wednesday night and I’m clicking away on my laptop trying to finish an assignment when my stomach growls like a bear being awoken from a nap.
I stumble into the kitchen and open the fridge; in it sits a Sriracha bottle, a bag of shredded cheese and some almond milk.
My stomach rumbles in disappointment in the fact that I forgot to head to the grocery store earlier.
Juggling a packed schedule of classes, work and extracurriculars can take over the time you would use to grocery shop, cook and eat.
By the time you get settled and ready to eat, there are no places open that serve anything but fast food.
Here are three places to grab a bite to eat at when you’re out late partying or in late studying.
Pho 90
999 Story Road
The most comforting meal to me after a long day is a nice, big bowl of soup.
Pho 90 is located in a Vietnamese shopping center and is open to customers during the late hours of the night.
The comfortable atmosphere of this restaurant after 9 p.m. reminds me of a family function with laughter and steaming bowls of soup.
Vegetarian and vegan options are written in green on the menu so plant-based eaters can easily order.
The bowls range from $10-12 depending on which size you get and what noodles you order.
Indulging in pho from here will satisfy your late night hunger pains and warm you up right before bed.
Nick the Greek
143 W. Santa Clara Street
I recently stumbled upon this restaurant as I was browsing on DoorDash’s app.
It was one of the only restaurants open at the time and I am a huge fan of Greek food, so I decided to give it a try.
I ordered the falafel pita and a side of “Nick’s Fries,” one of the most regularly-ordered sides.
The fries were topped with feta, garlic, spicy yogurt sauce and a choice of meat.
It’s a Greek twist on your traditional potato wedges, and the yogurt sauce with the falafel and garlic made for a harmonious late night snack.
This spot also serves gyro plates, Greek salads and pastries, like baklava.
Nick the Greek is a great, cleaner alternative to other greasy fast food spots that are open at the same time.
Cafe Stritch
374 S. First Street
Located just a couple blocks off of campus, Cafe Stritch offers customers a chill ambience, a full bar and affordably-priced food.
Any place that serves chicken and waffles or grilled cheese and tomato soup has my heart.
The restaurant also serves coffee, cocktails and a variety of draught beers.
You could set up your study materials out on their lit patio, order a mac and cheese for $4 and listen to some local artists play.
My favorite part of this restaurant is how comfortable the wait staff makes visitors, which is something you might enjoy after a long week.
Going to school in Downtown San Jose comes with a lively nightlife, so let me know what late night food spots you grub at, by tweeting at me!
